Peter Connor, 31, of Dorothy Walk, Abram, Wigan, has been charged with a single count of murder.

A trial date has been set for June 24, with a preliminary hearing arranged for February 4 at Manchester Crown Court.

No plea has been entered.

Flowers , balloons and tributes left at the site of Billy's death (Image: Joel Goodman)

Hundreds of well-wishers have visited the scene to pay their respects and lay flowers in memory of Everton fan Billy, who would have turned 22 earlier this month.

Tributes to the talented footballer have also flooded social media.

Police sealed off rough ground which acts as an unofficial car park off Bickershaw Lane after he was found injured.

Paying tribute to Billy, his mother Sylvia said he was 'one in a million'.

A photo of a scan of Billy's unborn child fixed to a lamppost , amongst tributes at the scene of his death (Image: Joel Goodman)

She said: "We will always love him and he will always be my baby.

"Billy was loved by everyone who knew him. Especially his brothers, his girlfriend Leah and all of the family.

"His little brother Teddy, niece Ivy and nephew Bailey idolised him and we will all miss him so much."

Enquiries remain ongoing and anyone with information is urged to get in touch with GMP’s Major Incident Team on 0161 856 8797 or 101 quoting incident number 1983 of 28/12/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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